According to Poland’s Prime Minister, Jarosław Kaczyński, controversial Catholic Radio Maryja has strengthened the Polish Church, active Catholicism and restored real citizens’ rights of a large group of Poles. PM Kaczynski was reacting to comments by one of Poland’s top cardinals, Stanisław Dziwisz, who appealed to Polish bishops to take the controversial chief of Radio Maryja, Father Tadeusz Rydzyk, under close scrutiny.
Cardinal Dziwisz appeared to suggest in his remarks that Radio Maryja would be better off without Father Rydzyk at the helm.
“This radio is one man. If you take this man away – there will be no radio. For me this is something obvious,” said the Prime Minister.
Jarosław Kaczyński pointed out, however, that the decision concerning Radio Maryja does not fall to him but to the Church.
In a speech to diocesan bishops gathered in the sanctuary of Jasna Góra, former assistant to John Paul II Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz called on Polish bishops to change the management of Radio Maryja in the name of the unity of the Polish Church.
The radio's founder, Father Tadeusz Rydzyk, is a controversial figure in Poland, broadcasting what many see as anti-Semitic remarks and often criticized for his involvement in politics.